Which type of passive optical network (PON) architecture was developed for a cost-effective, high-bandwidth solution for connecting various institutions to the Internet?

The Ethernet PON (EPON) architecture is specifically designed to provide a cost-effective and high-bandwidth solution for connecting multiple institutions, including businesses and educational facilities, to the Internet. It leverages Ethernet technology to deliver data over fiber optic networks, making it broadly compatible with existing Ethernet-based equipment and infrastructure.

One of the key advantages of EPON is its ability to support high data rates—typically up to 1 Gbps for both upstream and downstream traffic—allowing for efficient handling of large volumes of data, which is essential for institutional connectivity. This capability addresses the increasing demand for bandwidth resulting from cloud services, video streaming, and other high-bandwidth applications commonly utilized by such institutions.

EPON also promotes cost savings in terms of both installation and operational efficiency due to the ubiquity of Ethernet technology and its simplicity in design, which reduces the need for complex equipment compared to other PON architectures. Furthermore, its scalability allows for easy upgrades as data demands grow.

In the context of the other options, while GPON and APON are also prevalent PON technologies, they are typically associated with different use cases and may not be as financially optimal or as broadly compatible with existing Ethernet systems for institutional connections. The Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial